Impact of interplanetary structure on solar energetic particle transport
Abstract
The research objective of this proposal is to study the interaction of solar energetic particles (SEP) with mesoscale structures in the interplanetary medium and the consequences of this interaction on the spatiotemporal variability of SEPs near Earth. For the first time, our simulations now have the capability to reveal the development of abundant self-generated mesoscale structure in the solar wind. It is thus timely to explore how SEPs propagate in such structured interplanetary medium and how mesoscale structures affect characteristics of SEP events near Earth. By addressing fundamental questions of SEP variability, the proposal responds directly to one of the top priority Basic Research Objectives of the AFOSR Space Science Program (SEP research). Knowledge of the interplanetary medium structure depending on the solar activity conditions and physical processes determining SEP propagation is a key element for the development of Space Weather models and forecasting tools. Our technical approach will be to use a combination of high-resolution MHD simulations of the inner heliosphere and fully three-dimensional macroparticle simulations of energetic ions and electrons. We will utilize our new state-of-the-art MHD code, GAMERA, featuring advanced resolving power, performance and scaling. Energetic particles will be modeled using a newly developed test-particle CHIMP code already fully integrated with GAMERA. Global MHD simulations will be performed for the quiet heliosphere as well as the heliosphere strongly disturbed by coronal mass ejections. The anticipated outcome of the proposed research is to quantify an importance of mesoscale structures for spatiotemporal variability of SEPs in highly structured heliosphere. This objective goes to the heart of long-debated questions about SEP transport perpendicular to the interplanetary magnetic field, longitudinal and latitudinal spread of SEPs at 1 AU. The potential impact of this research will bring a new understanding of SEP transport in the inner heliosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95502110276XX0
Entities
People
- Elena Provornikova
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Johns Hopkins University
- United States Air Force